What are the factors affecting palm oil deacidification?

Palm oil deacidification, also known as neutralization or refining, is the process of removing free fatty acids (FFAs) and other impurities to improve its quality and stability. The factors affecting palm oil deacidification mainly are raw material quality, deacidification method and conditions, equipment and process parameters, post-deacidification handling and storage. Next, this article will give you a detailed analysis.

1. Raw Material Quality

(1) Initial Free Fatty Acid Content: The higher the initial free fatty acid content in palm oil, the more challenging and complex the palm oil deacidification process becomes. A greater amount of deacidifying agent and more severe reaction conditions are usually required to achieve the desired palm oil deacidification level.(2) Impurity Level: Palm oil may contain impurities such as phospholipids, pigments and gums. These impurities can interfere with the palm oil deacidification reaction by reacting with deacidifying agents or adsorbing on the oil surface, reducing the contact between the deacidifying agent and free fatty acids and thus affecting the palm oil deacidification effect.

Crude palm oil

2. Palm Oil Deacidification Method and Conditions

Chemical Deacidification

(1) Type and Concentration of Deacidifying Agent: Commonly used sodium hydroxide solution. The choice of deacidifying agent and its concentration significantly impact the deacidification outcome. If the concentration is too low, the palm oil deacidification reaction may not be complete, leaving residual free fatty acids. Conversely, if the concentration is too high, excessive saponification of the oil may occur, resulting in a loss of oil yield and a decrease in oil quality.(2) Reaction Temperature and Time: Temperature and time play crucial roles in chemical deacidification. Generally, increasing the reaction temperature accelerates the palm oil deacidification reaction rate. However, if the temperature is too high, it can cause side reactions such as oxidation and polymerization of the oil, negatively affecting its quality. The palm oil deacidfication reaction time must be carefully controlled to ensure complete reaction of free fatty acids with the deacidifying agent without causing unnecessary side reactions.

Palm oil physical and chemical refining processes

Physical Deacidification

(1) Vacuum Degree: In physical deacidification methods like steam distillation deacidification, the vacuum degree is a critical factor. A higher vacuum degree lowers the boiling point of free fatty acids and other volatile substances in the oil, facilitating their removal. Insufficient vacuum degree leads to poor deacidification, with some free fatty acids remaining in the oil.(2) Steam Consumption and Temperature: Adequate steam is necessary to carry away free fatty acids and other volatile substances. However, excessive steam consumption can cause emulsification of the oil and increase energy consumption. The temperature of the steam should be controlled within an appropriate range to ensure efficient removal of free fatty acids without compromising the oil quality.

3. Palm Oil Deacidification Equipment and Process Parameters

(1) Agitator Speed: During the palm oil deacidification process, proper agitation is essential to ensure uniform mixing of the deacidifying agent and palm oil and to promote the contact and reaction between free fatty acids and the deacidifying agent. If the agitator speed is too slow, the mixing will be uneven, resulting in incomplete palm oil deacidification. On the other hand, if the speed is too fast, it may cause emulsification of the oil, which is not conducive to the separation of the deacidified oil and by-products.(2) Residence Time in the Reactor: The residence time of palm oil in the deacidification reactor is also a significant parameter. Sufficient residence time is required to ensure the complete palm oil deacidification reaction. However, if the residence time is too long, it can cause side reactions and a decrease in the quality of the oil.

Palm oil deacidification equipment

4. Post-Deacidification Handling and Storage of Palm Oil

(1) Washing and Separation Effectiveness: After palm oil deacidification, the washing and separation steps are crucial to remove any remaining deacidifying agent and reaction by-products. Inadequate washing or separation can lead to residual impurities in the oil, affecting its quality and stability.(2) Storage Conditions: The storage conditions of deacidified palm oil also play a role in its quality maintenance. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to light and air can cause oxidation and hydrolysis of the oil, increasing the acid value over time. Therefore, proper storage in a cool, dry, and dark environment with appropriate packaging is necessary to prevent quality deterioration.In summary, palm oil deacidification is a complex process affected by many factors. By carefully controlling these variables - from raw material quality to the choice of refining technology and conditions - producers can ensure effective removal of free fatty acids, thereby producing high-quality refined palm oil suitable for a variety of applications. If you would like to learn more about palm oil deacidification, please feel free to consult Henan Glory Company.